Romney has begun speaking with Olympic officials and local business leaders

Former Massachusetts Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said that he is "ready to throw his weight" behind a bid to bring the '24 Summer Games to Boston, according to Matt Stout of the BOSTON HERALD. Romney is "already calling Olympic officials and local heavyweights like [Suffolk Construction Chair & CEO] John Fish to make it happen." Romney said, "It's certainly worth exploring. I think Boston would be fantastic." He added, "I’ve spoken (with people) at the United States Olympic Committee. I think it’s very intriguing." Current Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation on Thursday "creating an 11-member panel to study" the bid's feasibility. The new Olympics committee "must be stocked with three picks by Patrick, two by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the rest by legislative leaders by its first meeting Nov. 15" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/1). The AP reported the bill that calls for the creation of the committee also requires the commission "to consult with other New England states and to seek input from local governments and organizations before making its final recommendations." It also calls on the committee "to submit draft versions of legislation that would be needed to carry out" its recommendations by March 2014. The Senate and House "both approved the Bill" before Patrick signed it (AP, 10/31).